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September 2026
Reader Survey
Thank you for reading this edition of Global Connections. We want to ensure future issues provide timely, relevant, and valuable information for our URochester community.
Please take 2–3 minutes to complete our brief survey and share your feedback. We'd also love to hear about your international experiences, research collaborations, fellowships, awards, and other accomplishments that could be featured in upcoming editions.
Your input will help us improve the newsletter and highlight the outstanding work of the University of Rochester.
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URochester Global Leadership Message
Welcome to a New Academic Year: Celebrating Our Global Community
As we begin a new year of learning, discovery, and connection, I am delighted to welcome our students, scholars, faculty, staff, and colleagues back to campus. The University of Rochester is enriched by the many perspectives, cultures, experiences, and ideas that make up our global community.
I am especially pleased to welcome our international students and scholars, both those joining us for the first time and those returning for another year. Your presence strengthens URochester and expands the ways we learn, collaborate, and engage with the world. You are an important and valued part of our community.
International Students and Scholars: Support and Success
Supporting our international students and scholars is a shared responsibility. Their success depends not only on strong academic and research opportunities, but also on creating an environment in which they can navigate the University of Rochester with confidence, build community, and grow.
This year, I encourage all of us to continue advancing best practices for supporting international populations, including:
- Creating a welcoming environment from day one. Clear communication and intentional opportunities to connect can make an enormous difference in helping international students and scholars feel that they are part of the community.
- Making information accessible and understandable. URochester processes can be complex, particularly when they involve unfamiliar systems, terminology, or cultural expectations. We should communicate clearly and proactively, with an awareness of different educational and cultural backgrounds.
- Providing coordinated support. International students and scholars often interact with multiple campus offices. Collaboration across units helps reduce barriers, avoid duplication, and ensure that individuals know where to turn for assistance.
- Building intercultural understanding. Every member of our URochester community benefits when we create opportunities to learn from one another and engage across cultures.
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Currently Enrolled New and Returning International Students
F-1 and J-1 students sponsored by the University of Rochester
New Incoming International Students by
Academic Level and School
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Fulbright Reception - Meliora Weekend
The fourth annual reception celebrating the University of Rochester's current and past Fulbright Scholars will be held on Friday, October 2 from 4:30p.m. - 6:00p.m. in the Hawkins Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library. Recognized as a "Top Producing Institution" for the Fulbright program, URochester boasts numerous affiliated scholars, including students, faculty, staff, visiting scholars, and alumni.
Enjoy drinks and light fare as we honor and recognize our Fulbright Scholars with a short program. This event, hosted by the Office for Global Engagement, provides an excellent opportunity to network and connect with fellow Fulbrighters.
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Important Update on Duration of Status Rule
There is an important update on the Department of Homeland Security's proposed rule that would have ended “Duration of Status” (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars.
On Monday, September 14, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the final rule from taking effect on September 15. As a result, the rule ending D/S will NOT take effect on September 15 as originally scheduled, and the current D/S regulations remain in place.
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Encourage Students to Explore Education Abroad at the Annual Education Abroad Global Fair!
The Global Fair gives students an opportunity to learn about international study options, including summer programs, semester experiences, and yearlong opportunities. Representatives from partner programs and international universities will be available to answer questions and share information about programs around the world.
Students are encouraged to stop by to learn more about education abroad opportunities and connect with campus partners who can answer questions about funding, credit transfer, program logistics, and other resources. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about ways you can support students interested in adding an international experience to their academic journey.
Learn more and share the Global Fair details with students who may be interested.
Wednesday, September 23 | 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Hawkins Carlson Room, Rush Rhees
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Changes to Curricular Practical Training
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued new guidance that significantly narrows eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 students. Under the new interpretation, CPT is limited to practical training that is required for all students in a degree program; optional internships, practica, clinical experiences, and elective internship courses generally no longer qualify.
The International Services Office is reviewing the guidance and has paused approval of new CPT applications, except for training that is a required component of a degree program. Students with previously approved CPT may continue under their existing authorization.
As the University assesses the impact on academic programs and students, faculty and staff should direct questions about CPT eligibility and off-campus training to the International Services Office.
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Monthly Observances
Each month, the Office for Global Engagement will highlight holidays observed around the world, fostering greater awareness of celebrations across cultures and communities.
September 4 – Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)
September 5 – International Day of Charity
September 7 – Labor Day
September 8 – Paryushan Parv (Jainism)
September 11 – Rosh Hashanah begins (Jewish)
September 15 – International Day of Democracy
September 16 – Mexican Independence Day
September 18 – International Equal Pay Day
September 20-21 – Yom Kippur (Jewish)
September 21 – International Day of Peace
September 21 – World Gratitude Day
September 22 – Mabon - (Northern Hemisphere) Wicca/Paganism
September 22 – American Business Women's Day
September 23 – Bi Visibility Day
September 25 – Sukkot begins (Jewish)
September 30 – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Canada)
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Find URochester Global Offices
Staff are available to support students, scholars, faculty, and partners with international education, global programming, immigration services, and study abroad opportunities in the Center for Education Abroad, the International Services Office, and the Office for Global Engagement.
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Stay Connected with URochester Global
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Interested in being featured or suggesting a story? Contact us at: global@rochester.edu.
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